Democrats Insist Former Attorney General Bondi Must Testify on Epstein Case
Although Pam Bondi is no longer serving as the U.S. attorney general, Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee assert that she remains legally obligated to address actions taken during her tenure. Following the news of Bondi's dismissal on Thursday, lawmakers reaffirmed their determination to depose her under oath concerning Justice Department documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Allegations of a White House Cover-Up
Ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, accused Bondi of orchestrating a cover-up. "Attorney General Pam Bondi has been leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files," Garcia stated. "She has weaponized the Department of Justice to protect Donald Trump and put survivors in harm's way by exposing their identities." He emphasized that Bondi cannot evade accountability and must appear before the committee as required by law.
Commitment to Ongoing Investigations
Garcia also indicated that investigations into former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's conduct would proceed. "If they think we are moving on because they were fired, they are gravely mistaken," he declared, underscoring the committee's resolve to pursue these matters regardless of personnel changes.
Subpoena and Congressional Demands
Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, who collaborated with Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, to secure the release of Epstein-related documents, expects Bondi to comply with congressional subpoenas. Khanna noted that he and Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, had subpoenaed Bondi to testify on April 14th. "Even though she has been fired, she must still answer to Congress about the remaining documents, why there have been no new prosecutions, and why she participated in a cover-up," Khanna explained.
Support from Committee Members
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia and fellow committee member, echoed these sentiments in a statement. "Pam Bondi may be leaving the Department of Justice, but she must still follow the law and respond to the Oversight Committee's subpoena to be deposed about covering up Epstein files," he said. Subramanyam added that he has numerous questions and stressed that the American public deserves answers, while Epstein survivors deserve justice.
The unified stance among Democrats highlights their ongoing efforts to hold officials accountable and ensure transparency in handling sensitive cases, particularly those involving high-profile individuals and alleged misconduct.
